The Australian Curriculum Studies Association was established in 1983, providing a national forum for dialogue between those engaged in curriculum work. The purpose of the Association is to:

provide curriculum leadership across the nation

develop curriculum resources

stimulate curriculum conversations

encourage critical and reflective curriculum practices

engage in curriculum research

Curriculum involves what is taught (knowledge, understandings, skills, values); how it is taught (pedagogy, teaching style); and how it is assessed (assessment, testing, reporting). Curriculum shapes and is shaped by social, political, economic and historical forces. It involves the selection, interpretation and implementation of culturally-based knowledge, skills, values and beliefs.

ACSA believes that curriculum should:

be of current and enduring personal and social value

be constructed from a balanced and explicit selection from key areas of human inquiry and endeavour

develop deep disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning

prepare people to be creative and effective life-long learners

provide people with the necessary knowledge, understandings, values and skills to be active, informed and productive citizens in a democratic society